Best Social Services & Welfare Books of 2025

Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice is a powerful manifesto by Judith L. Herman, one of America's most influential psychiatrists. The book argues that the conventional retributive process fails to serve most survivors of sexual violence and trauma, and offers an alternative vision of justice as healing for survivors and their communities. Herman commits the radical act of listening to survivors and recounts their stories to envision a new path to justice for all. This deeply researched and compassionately told book is a vital text for understanding the processes that underlie trauma and recovery.

One Day at a Time in Al-Anon is a must-read for families of alcoholics. The book offers daily meditations and readings designed to provide strength and hope to those who are struggling with the effects of alcoholism. The book is categorized under Alcoholism Recovery Books, and it is published by imusti. The daily readings are insightful and thought-provoking, and they provide a much-needed source of inspiration for those who are dealing with the challenges of living with an alcoholic. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who is looking for guidance and support on their journey to recovery.

"Paths to Recovery: Al-Anon's Steps, Traditions and Concepts" is a valuable resource for anyone struggling with alcoholism. The book provides a detailed introduction to Al-Anon and its approach to recovery. It emphasizes that a different way of life is available to us through the Twelve Steps. The book is written by the Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, a trusted brand in the field of addiction recovery. It is an essential read for anyone looking to understand and overcome alcoholism. Overall, the book is well-written, informative, and inspiring, making it a must-read for those in need of help.

Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell examines the origins of economic disparities and challenges the idea that different economic outcomes can be explained by any one factor, be it discrimination, exploitation, or genetics. The book analyzes the human consequences of prevailing social visions of these disparities and the policies based on that vision. The author presents a well-researched and thought-provoking argument that is both accessible and relevant. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding economic disparities.

The Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Enhanced provides a comprehensive overview of major counseling theories and their practical applications. The author, Gerald Corey, introduces the reader to various therapeutic models and demonstrates how each can be applied to different cases. The book is easy to understand, with new learning objectives that identify key aspects of each theory. Corey is a renowned author and professor who has published several textbooks in counseling. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for students and professionals in the field of counseling.

Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions is a practical and contemporary resource that helps students discover their own guidelines for helping within the boundaries of professional codes of ethics and different theoretical positions. Written by Gerald Corey, a renowned professor of human services and counseling, this book discusses central issues, presents diverse views, and encourages readers to refine their own thinking. The tenth edition includes MindTap, an interactive learning tool that brings course concepts to life. Overall, this book is an essential resource for students in any helping field and a valuable reference for professionals.

The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration is a timely and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the untold story of climate migration in the United States. The author presents a human-centered narrative that tells the personal stories of those experiencing displacement and the implications for all of us as we confront a changing future. The book is a vivid tour of the new human geography just coming into view and highlights the largest migration in our country's history. The Great Displacement is a must-read for anyone interested in climate change and its impact on human lives.

The "Ghosts of the Orphanage" is a gripping true crime story uncovering the disturbing history of orphanages in the twentieth century. Christine Kenneally's ten-year investigation exposes the physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, as well as deaths, that occurred in these institutions. Kenneally's focus on St. Joseph's, a Catholic orphanage in Vermont, leads her to discover similar patterns of abuse in other institutions worldwide. This book is a brave and important account of a past that has stayed buried for too long. It's a chilling but gripping read that sheds light on a dark chapter in history.

Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction is the definitive guide on sex addiction written by a pioneer in its treatment. The book is revised and updated to include the latest research on the topic, including the phenomenon of cybersex addiction. It identifies the danger signs, explains dynamics, and describes the consequences of sexual addiction and dependency with practical wisdom and spiritual clarity. The book offers a way out of the shadows of sexual compulsion and back into the light and fullness of life.

The Counseling Practicum and Internship Manual: A Resource for Graduate Counseling Students is a revised guide to the practicum and internship experience for graduate counseling students. It covers various topics such as trauma-informed care, multicultural competencies, and social media. The book emphasizes counseling as a specific professional identity and helps students develop their approach to counseling and supervision. It also tackles ethical and legal issues, student safety at field sites, and clinical issues like teletherapy and termination. With case examples and sample forms, it encompasses everything students need to know as they progress through the practicum and internship process. Overall, the book is an excellent resource for students looking to excel in their counseling careers.